With her auburn hair and green eyes, she had always been pretty, and that hadn’t changed over the ten years he’d been away. Even though she’d come to the Rocking R a city girl, she’d fitted into ranch life as if born to it.
“Morning, honey.” She eyed him closely, unable to hide her concern.
“Hi, Mom. Something smells good.” He walked to the table and pulled out a chair. The kitchen had always been the heart of this home. It had also been remodeled a few times. The cabinets were maple with dark granite countertops and the latest stainless-steel appliances. The floor was the original honey hardwood. He’d loved growing up in this house.
She set a plate on the table. “I made sweet rolls.”
He picked one up and took a bite. “You keep this up and I’m going to gain ten pounds.”
“You could use some extra weight.”
He frowned and took another bite. After he swallowed, he asked, “Where’s Dad?”
“He’s with Dylan. The new bull arrived earlier. He should be here soon.” She brought over a plate piled high with bacon. Just then the back door opened and his dad walked in. He hung his hat on the hook on the wall, then nodded to his son before he went to his wife and kissed her.
He came to the table and pulled out a chair. “Mornin’, son.”
“Morning, Dad.”
“You’ve got to see this bull, Jeff. Dylan’s named him Rough Ride.” His father beamed. “We both think he’s going to make quite a reputation on the circuit.”
Maura Gentry brought a dish of scrambled eggs and joined them. “Just so long as the two of you stay away from him, I’m happy.”
Wyatt frowned. “Are you saying I’m too old to climb on a bull?”
“No, I’m saying you’re too smart. So don’t make me out a liar. Save the ride for those twenty-something kids who need to impress the girls.” She picked up a fork. “You can impress me in other ways.”
Jeff should have been used to his parents’ flirting. Since the moment they’d met it had been like that between them.
His dad winked. “I’ll do my best.” He looked at his son. “You thought about what you’re going to do with the horses?”
Jeff shrugged. “Only that I’m going to leave them at Lacey’s and pay her to board them.”
“So you’ve got no plans to go into the breeding business?” his dad asked.
Jeff scooped up a forkful of eggs. “Still thinking on that one. I need to find a place to live first.”
His parents exchanged a look, then turned to him. His mother spoke. “You know you can stay in the cottage here as long as you want. There’s no hurry to leave.”
“I need to be closer to the Guthrie place. That’s why I’m planning to move up to the cabin.”
His dad swallowed his food. “What cabin?”
“The one where Trevor and I used to hang out.”
His mother frowned. “That old lineman’s shack? It was nearly falling down years ago.”
Jeff took a drink of his orange juice. He understood his parents’ concern. “Trevor must have put some work into it, because it’s in good shape now.”
His mother didn’t look convinced. “Jeff, do you think it’s a good idea to move so far away? It’s pretty isolated there.”
He’d been isolated in a lot worse places…the hills of Afghanistan, the deserts of Iraq. “Mom, it’s only a few miles from the ranch house. Besides, I like the quiet.”
“Haven’t we left you alone?” she asked. “I only worry about you because of the…accident. You haven’t been walking again that long.” Her eyes filled with worry. “You’ve only been home ten days.”
He didn’t want to hurt either one of them. “I’ve had months of physical therapy. Yes, both of you have given me space while I’ve been here, and I appreciate it. But I’m too old to live at home. Mainly, I’ve got to come to grips with what I’m going to do with the rest of my life. I never dreamed it would be anything but the military. I hadn’t planned to retire for another ten years.”
This time his father spoke up. “I know you’d be happier in the army, son, I only wish that were an option.”
Jeff shook his head. “Not if I can’t do what I was trained for.” And now that a terrorist sniper had changed everything for him, he had to make a different kind of life. “Right now, I need some time.”
His mother started to talk, but his dad stopped her. “Maura, our son is a man. He needs to make his own decisions. Whatever that is, Jeff, we’re proud of you.”
The praise from Wyatt Gentry meant more to Jeff than any medal he’d received from that last mission.
Maura nodded. “I guess it’s the best solution for you both. Lacey can use your help, too.” His mother reached for his hand and smiled. “I think you can be a big help to each other.”
The next day Hank Barrett drove up the road toward the cabin. He knew he probably shouldn’t have come here without an invitation, but he might never get one. So he’d come to see Jeff on his own.
Along with age came some privileges.
He’d stopped by the Guthrie Ranch and talked with Lacey. She’d been in the corral working with the horses. He’d stood back and watched and had been impressed with her talent. He’d always thought it had been Trevor who had had the skill with the horses, but Lacey knew her way around those animals, too. Maybe Jeff’s idea wasn’t so bad. Those two could help each other.
He grinned. Who knows? Lacey Guthrie might even finally take notice of his grandson. At least, maybe she could help Jeff get through the rough time.
Avoiding several mesquite bushes, Hank continued toward the cabin on the hill. He parked and climbed out, then grabbed two shopping bags filled with things Maura and Ella had sent with him.
He made his way to the porch when Jeff came out. “Granddad. What are you doing here?”
“It was either me comin’ here, or your mother and grandmother. And they’d probably be hanging ruffled curtains in the windows. So you got the best of the deal, me.”
Jeff chuckled and took the bags.
“That’s food, and in there are some towels. There’s a cooler in the back of the truck.”
“I’ll get it later,” Jeff said. “Come inside.”
Hank walked through the door first. The place wasn’t much bigger than a horse stall, but it was a lot cleaner.
The bunk against the wall was made up with white sheets and a green army blanket tucked in neatly on all sides. Two pairs of cowboy boots stood at the end. The one thing that looked out of place was a single crutch next
